Sailing Friends / Adventure from the Potomac

Not much new on the fleet front this month. But, if you’ll allow me to indulge, I’d like to share some thoughts on sailing. This past weekend two club members, Jim and Chris, joined me on an epic journey. We picked up my new to us 1967 Alberg 30 from Quantico Marina and brought it (most of the way) home. For those that are unfamiliar with the Potomac River, Quantico is WAYYYYY up there. After a late arrival Friday night the crew set about preparing the unfamiliar boat for an early departure. We departed Quantico under cover of darkness at approximately 0415h. Navigating by chartplotter and spotlight we worked our way down river and were met by a glorious sunrise. Saturday provided light winds, but a glorious 80 degree late October day. Not too shabby as we lounged about in shorts and bare feet. The 71 mile trip took about 14 hours. Our scheduled arrival time to Point Lookout Marina in St. Mary’s County, Maryland was after closing time. With a phone call to the marina, the manager on duty, Shawn, stated “here’s my personal cell, call me when you get to the creek and I’ll meet you at the fuel dock”! His efforts were greatly appreciated as we topped off the tanks, filled the ice chest, and the super secret bath house code was revealed. Thank you, Shawn! After a good night’s rest, the crew awoke to very different weather on Sunday. The sky had turned cloudy, rain was on the horizon and winds were 16-18 knots from the northeast. The spectacular crew donned layers and foulies and set about the task of tackling the next leg. The team shared navigation and sail plan decisions. Each course change and sail arrangement was discussed and concurrence was reached on the safest path. The crew remained on deck through steady rain to ensure proper lookout was maintained in less than ideal visibility conditions. The boat performed splendidly and sped down the Bay at hull speed, managing the 3-5 foot beam seas with ease. Later that evening, we pulled in to the second stop in White Marsh. The boat secured for the weekend, we all headed home for some warm coffee and a hot shower. The weekend had a lot of things, and lacked one. The weekend had warm weather, sun, cold weather, rain, good visibility, bad visibility, good food, great conversation, fellowship, beautiful sunrise, plentiful clouds, ship traffic, fairly large waves, no wind, lots of wind, good music, and great sailing. What did the trip lack? The trip lacked a single complaint. No complaint with a 0330h Saturday wake up. No complaint when there was no wind on the first day. No complaint when when there was wind, rain, and cold weather on Sunday. No complaint when the apples got soggy with rainwater. No complaint when sail plan changes were needed. If you’ve made it this far in my discourse, thank you. I’m coming to the point. Aside from the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed the company of fine sailors sharing an epic journey, I was reminded that sailors are fine people. I for one am very grateful for my Ware River Yacht Club family. We are blessed with an absolutely fantastic location. And we are doubly blessed with the company of the finest group of people in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Proud to be associated with such a fine group of sailors and look forward to many, many more adventures.

See you on the water,

Scott